key motivator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key motivator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary reason or factor that drives someone to take action or make a decision. Example: "For many employees, a key motivator for staying with the company is the opportunity for career advancement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

3. Make Improvements Measurable to Increase Motivation - Accountability is a key motivator in the medical field.

Huffington Post

Carbon emission reduction is a key motivator in several national and international PI R&D programs.

Process Intensification Engineering for Efficiency, Sustainability and Flexibility

Another key motivator for many workers is the ability to select their own tasks.

Harvard Business Review

According to Nicoletti, a drive to promote more female employees was a key motivator for introducing the policy.

The Guardian

Whatever Nixon's many flaws, few would argue that personal enrichment was a key motivator of his life.

The New Yorker

A key motivator for improving the codec support in Windows 7 was to reduce the need that end-users might have to download additional codecs.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Three types, in particular, are key motivators.

Harvard Business Review

Cost, availability of content and convenience are all key motivators.

The Guardian - Tech

Key motivators included appearance, emotion, health perceptions, and the influence of parents, peers, and the media.

Preventive Medicine

Many studies have shown that autonomy, mastery and vision are the key motivators for workers.

The Guardian

They should then find the two or three of these key motivators that have a strong association with their brand.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key motivator", ensure that you clearly define what that motivator is within the context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "key motivator" when the factor is only a minor influence. Ensure that the motivator is indeed significant and central to the situation being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key motivator" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig suggests, it identifies the most important reason or incentive behind an action or decision. For example, "Pleasure is a key motivator in learning."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key motivator" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to identify the most important driving force behind an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and business domains. When using this phrase, clarity and accuracy are essential. Be sure to define the motivator clearly and avoid overstating its importance. Alternative phrases like "primary driving force" or "chief incentive" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While versatile, remember that "key motivator" should genuinely represent the most influential factor in the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary driving force

Emphasizes the force that propels action, rather than just a motivator.

main impetus

Focuses on the initial force that starts something.

chief incentive

Highlights the reward or benefit aspect of motivation.

principal reason

Highlights the rationale behind an action.

central stimulus

Emphasizes the trigger that causes a response.

core influence

Focuses on the power to affect someone's actions or decisions.

prime mover

Suggests something or someone that initiates or drives progress.

major determinant

Highlights the factor that decisively affects the outcome.

fundamental cause

Points to the underlying reason something happens.

essential trigger

Emphasizes the factor that sets off a chain of events.

FAQs

How can I use "key motivator" in a sentence?

You can use "key motivator" to describe the main reason or incentive behind someone's actions. For example: "The desire for career advancement was a "key motivator" for her decision to pursue further education."

What are some alternatives to using "key motivator"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "primary driving force", "main impetus", or "chief incentive".

Is it more appropriate to say "key motivator" or "major motivator"?

"Key motivator" and "major motivator" are both acceptable. "Key motivator" suggests the most important motivator, while "major motivator" simply indicates a significant one. The best choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "key motivator" and "underlying reason"?

"Key motivator" specifically refers to the incentive or reason driving someone's actions. "Underlying reason" is a broader term that can refer to any fundamental cause or explanation, not necessarily related to motivation.